Discovery Networks USA
As President of Discovery Networks, Root ran a portfolio of channels that included Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Military Channel and Times Channel (now called Investigation Discovery).
During her presidency, she re-positioned the network with shows such as Deadliest Catch, Man vs. Wild, and Dirty Jobs. She also organised the promotion around Planet Earth (TV series), a joint venture with the BBC, which quickly became one of Discovery's biggest hits.
These shows helped find a new audience for the 20 year-old network, particularly among 25-to-54-year-old males. This led to record ratings and primetime increases of 10% in 2006 and 13% in 2007, and overall ratings up in 2007 to 16%.
In digital, Discovery.com experienced 200% growth in page views in 2007 alone. The site was also part of the Top Ten Digital Hot List in Adweek in the same year, where the network was praised for truly delivering on both online video content and multi-platform ad opportunities.
In 2007, Discovery announced her departure from the channel. She was replaced at Discovery by John Ford.
The was much speculation in the British press that she would be taking up the role of controller of BBC1, but in the event the job went to Jay Hunt, a former BBC Daytime controller.
Read more about this topic: Jane Root
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